Barnum gets new principal

This year is going to be a new adventure for Brian Kazmierczak (pronounced Kas-meri-check) as he begins his role of principal at Barnum High School. This is Kazmierczak’s first principalship.

Kasmierczak came from Pequot Lakes, where he taught Social Studies and American and World History for seven years. The school district was twice the size of Barnum’s. He was also the coach of the cross country team, track and field, and basketball, mostly girls basketball.

“I left a pretty good track program at Pequot Lakes,” he said in a recent interview. “The girls won the section championship this year.”

He also worked with teachers in technology and instruction.

“Technology helps in today’s education,” he added. “As Barnum looks at using more technology in the high school, I’m sure that will be a big piece of my year. We will be looking at where we want to go in terms of technology.”

Kazmierczak’s wife, Meghan, will be the English teacher in the Willow River School District this year. The couple recently bought a home in Cloquet.

They have three young sons. Tim is 4, and twins Clayton and Emmett are about to turn 3.

with the students and staff of the Barnum School District, Kazmierczak will use the advice of outgoing principal Steve Brandt.

“Steve keeps telling me that I have a great staff,” he said. “One of the things that will help me be a principal is a veteran staff. That’s always a positive. I think that I can add to the established programs but not a lot of change needs to happen. It would be difficult to change gears. That won’t happen here.”

Kazmierczak plans to take his time looking at how the school operates.

“I want to spend time and see what we can improve and do better, and celebrate what we already do well,” he said.

And Kazmierczak is looking forward to meeting and working with the other principals in the area.

“I look forward to building a relationship with the area principals,” he said. “I want to be a part of the network that has been created already.”

Kazmierczak had been involved with building projects in Pequot Lakes and Deer River, where he once taught.

“The Barnum School Board is starting to talk about a building project,” he said. “My background and education is a good fit for Barnum. I’m excited about the opportunity that they have given me here.

“I look forward to working with the staff collaboratively and helping provide the students in Barnum with the best education that they can get.”